Provide ventilation for air circulation.

Fruits and vegetables are constantly
releasing off-gasses, some more than others. Some of these off-gasses can create
spoilage or affect the taste of neighboring
vegetables. Ventilation can be created
by leaving space at the point of entry or
through ventilation pipes. If you want
to get really fancy (and efficient), a low
intake air pipe can be installed to allow
cool air in, and a high outtake pipe can
be installed for the release of warm air
and gasses.

Ensure proper humidity levels.

Produce can quickly become dry andshriveled, or begin to break downwithout proper humidity. Many producestorage items do best in environmentswith humidity levels between 80 and 95percent. In underground rootcellars, these humiditylevels are easilymaintained in most climates. Basementroot cellaring will often require addedmoisture to maintain these levels. Addedmoisture can be maintained throughmoist wood shavings or containers ofwater left to evaporate.

Maintain the proper temperature.

Fluctuations in temperature outside
of the ideal range can cause fruits and
vegetables to break down. A location
that remains unaffected by outdoor
conditions is ideal. In some regions, the
months during which long-term storage
is possible will be limited because of either extreme heat or extreme cold. Your
point of access will be the weakest point
in maintaining even temperatures, so be
sure to face the opening to the north or
northeast, unless you live in an extremely
cold climate.

Options forRoot Cellaring

The in-ground root cellar. The traditional root cellar is dug into the side
of a hill, or dug straight down into the
ground, well below the freezing point of
the soil for a particular region. Ideally
the depth of the root cellar allows for
standing room. This allows for easy
management of goods and creates zones
within the root cellar. Cold air sinks and
warm air rises, so vegetables such as root
vegetables that prefer colder temperatures can be placed closer to the ground.

A dirt root cellar is an option, butleaves your storage space more open tocritters who may think that you placedyour abundance of produce there justfor them. Instead, the root cellar canbe lined with bricks, cinder blocks, orpoured concrete slabs. Wood can also beused, but will eventually need tobe replaced over time.